Issues related to pregnancy, pregnancy prevention and abortion in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a WHO qualitative study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: WHO has generated standardised clinical and epidemiological research protocols to address key public health questions for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. We present a standardised protocol with the aim to fill a gap in understanding the needs, attitudes and practices related to sexual and reproductive health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on pregnancy, pregnancy prevention and abortion. METHODS AND ANALYSIS PLAN: This protocol is a prospective qualitative research, using semi-structured interviews with at least 15 pregnant women at different gestational ages and after delivery, 6 months apart from the first interview. At least 10 partners, 10 non-pregnant women and 5 healthcare professionals will be interviewed once during the course of the research. Higher number of subjects may be needed if a saturation is not achieved with these numbers. Data collection will be performed in a standardised way by skilled trained interviewers using written notes or audio-record of the interview. The data will be explored using the thematic content analysis and the researchers will look for broad patterns, generalisations or theories from these categories. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The current protocol was first technically assessed and approved by the WHO scientific committee and then approved by its ethics review committee as a guidance document. It is expected that each country/setting implementing such a generic protocol adapted to their conditions also obtain local ethical approval. Comments for the user's consideration are provided the document, as the user may need to modify methods slightly because of the local context in which this study will be carried out.

Health systems analysis and evaluation of the barriers to availability, utilisation and readiness of sexual and reproductive health services in COVID-19-affected areas: a WHO mixed-methods study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented increase in demand on health systems to care for people infected, necessitating the allocation of significant resources, especially medical resources, towards the response. This, compounded by the restrictions on movement instituted may have led to disruptions in the provision of essential services, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This study aims to assess the availability of contraception, comprehensive abortion care, sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment and sexual and gender-based violence care and support services in local health facilities during COVID-19 pandemic. This is a standardised generic protocol designed for use across different global settings. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study adopts both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess health facilities' SRH service availability and readiness, and clients' and providers' perceptions of the availability and readiness of these services in COVID-19-affected areas. The study has two levels: (1) perceptions of clients (and the partners) and healthcare providers, using qualitative methods, and (2) assessment of infrastructure availability and readiness to provide SRH services through reviews, facility service statistics for clients and a qualitative survey for healthcare provider perspectives. The health system assessment will use a cross-sectional panel survey design with two data collection points to capture changes in SRH services availability as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Data will be collected using focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and a health facility assessment survey. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the WHO Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (protocol ID CERC.0103). Each study site is required to obtain the necessary ethical and regulatory approvals that are required in each specific country.